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Exhibit 2.1
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF
MERGER
DATED AS OF FEBRUARY 1,
2005
AMONG
AMBASSADORS INTERNATIONAL,
INC.,
a Delaware
corporation,
BELLPORT ACQUISITION CORP.
#1
a Delaware
corporation,
BELLPORT ACQUISITION CORP.
#2
a Delaware
corporation,
BELLPORT GROUP,
INC.,
a Delaware
corporation,
AND
PAUL PENROSE,
as Company Stockholder
Representative
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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| ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS |
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2 |
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1.1 |
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Defined
Terms |
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2 |
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| ARTICLE II. THE MERGERS |
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3 |
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2.1 |
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The
Mergers |
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3 |
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2.2 |
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Closing |
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4 |
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2.3 |
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Effective
Time |
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4 |
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2.4 |
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Effects
of the Mergers |
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4 |
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2.5 |
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Articles
of Incorporation |
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4 |
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2.6 |
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Bylaws |
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5 |
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2.7 |
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Officers
and Directors of the Surviving Corporation |
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5 |
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ARTICLE III. EFFECT OF THE
TRANSACTION ON THE CAPITAL STOCK OF
THE CONSTITUENT CORPORATIONS; EXCHANGE OF
CERTIFICATES
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5 |
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3.1 |
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Effect on
Capital Stock in Merger I |
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5 |
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3.2 |
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Effect on
Capital Stock in Merger II |
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6 |
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3.3 |
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Dissenting Shares |
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6 |
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3.4 |
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Escrow
Fund |
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6 |
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3.5 |
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Miscellaneous Provisions Relating to the Escrow |
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7 |
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3.6 |
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Company
Stockholder Representative |
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7 |
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3.7 |
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Exchange
of Certificates |
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9 |
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| ARTICLE IV. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE
COMPANY |
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10 |
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4.1 |
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Organization, Standing and Power |
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10 |
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4.2 |
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Capital
Structure |
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11 |
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4.3 |
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Authority; No Conflicts |
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12 |
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4.4 |
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Financial
Statements |
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13 |
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4.5 |
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No
Undisclosed Liabilities |
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13 |
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4.6 |
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Compliance with Applicable Laws; Regulatory Matters |
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13 |
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4.7 |
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Litigation |
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14 |
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4.8 |
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Taxes |
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14 |
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4.9 |
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Reorganization Treatment |
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17 |
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4.10 |
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Absence
of Certain Changes or Events |
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18 |
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4.11 |
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Vote
Required |
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19 |
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4.12 |
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Material
Agreements |
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19 |
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4.13 |
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Employee
Benefit Plans; ERISA |
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21 |
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4.14 |
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Brokers
or Finders |
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23 |
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4.15 |
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Real
Property |
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23 |
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4.16 |
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Affiliated Transactions and Certain Other
Agreements |
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24 |
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4.17 |
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Environmental Matters |
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24 |
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4.18 |
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Intellectual Property |
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25 |
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4.19 |
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Employees
and Labor Matters |
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26 |
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4.20 |
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Insurance |
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27 |
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4.21 |
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Accounts
Receivable |
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27 |
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4.22 |
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Assets |
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27 |
i
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4.23 |
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Books and
Records |
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28 |
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4.24 |
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Foreign
Corrupt Practices Act |
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28 |
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4.25 |
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Disclosure |
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28 |
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| ARTICLE V. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
PARENT |
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28 |
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5.1 |
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Organization, Standing and Power |
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28 |
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5.2 |
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Authority; No Conflicts |
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29 |
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5.3 |
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Absence
of Litigation |
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30 |
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5.4 |
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Interim
Operation of Merger Subs |
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30 |
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5.5 |
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Brokers
or Finders |
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30 |
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5.6 |
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Reorganization Treatment |
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30 |
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| ARTICLE VI. COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF
BUSINESS |
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32 |
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6.1 |
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Covenants
of the Company |
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32 |
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6.2 |
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[intentionally deleted] |
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35 |
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6.3 |
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Tax
Matters |
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35 |
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6.4 |
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Reorganization Matters |
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37 |
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| ARTICLE VII. ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS |
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38 |
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7.1 |
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Private
Placement |
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38 |
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7.2 |
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[intentionally deleted] |
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38 |
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7.3 |
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Fees and
Expenses |
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38 |
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7.4 |
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Public
Announcements |
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38 |
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7.5 |
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Further
Assurances |
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39 |
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| ARTICLE VIII. CLOSING DELIVERIES |
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39 |
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8.1 |
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Closing
Deliveries |
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39 |
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| ARTICLE IX. RECOURSE TO ESCROW AND
INDEMNIFICATION |
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40 |
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9.1 |
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Survival
of Representations and Warranties |
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40 |
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9.2 |
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Indemnification |
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40 |
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9.3 |
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Procedure
for Claims between Parties |
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42 |
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9.4 |
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Defense
of Procedure for Third-Party Claims |
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42 |
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9.5 |
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Resolution of Conflicts and Claims |
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43 |
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9.6 |
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Limitations on Indemnity |
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44 |
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9.7 |
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Payment
of Damages |
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44 |
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| ARTICLE X. TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT |
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45 |
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10.1 |
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Termination |
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45 |
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10.2 |
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Effect of
Termination |
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45 |
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| ARTICLE XI. GENERAL PROVISIONS |
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46 |
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11.1 |
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Amendment |
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46 |
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11.2 |
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Extension; Waiver |
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46 |
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11.3 |
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Notices |
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46 |
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11.4 |
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Interpretation |
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47 |
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11.5 |
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Counterparts |
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47 |
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11.6 |
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Entire
Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiaries |
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47 |
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11.7 |
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Governing
Law |
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48 |
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11.8 |
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Severability |
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48 |
ii
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11.9 |
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Assignment |
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48 |
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11.10 |
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Mediation |
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48 |
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11.11 |
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Waiver of
Trial by Jury |
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48 |
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11.12 |
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Enforcement |
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49 |
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11.13 |
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Attorneys’ Fees |
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49 |
EXHIBITS
Exhibit A — Escrow
Agreement
Exhibit B — FIRPTA
Certificate
Exhibit C — Consulting
Agreement
Exhibit D — Option
Agreement
Exhibit E — Non-Competition and
Non-Disclosure Agreement
iii
GLOSSARY OF DEFINED
TERMS
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Definition
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Location of
Defined Term
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401(k) Plan
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Section 6.1(d) |
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AAA
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Section 9.5(b) |
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Agreement
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Preamble |
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Ancillary Agreements
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Section 8.2(d) |
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Board of Directors
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Section 1.1(a) |
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Certificates of Merger
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Section 2.3 |
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Cap
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Section 9.6 |
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Certificate
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Section 1.1(b) |
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Closing
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Section 2.2 |
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Closing Balance Sheet
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Section 6.3(a) |
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Closing Date
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Section 2.2 |
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COBRA
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Section 4.13(e) |
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Code
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Section 1.1(c) |
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Company
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Preamble |
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Company Affiliates
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Section 4.16(a) |
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Company Board Recommendation
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Section 4.3(a) |
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Company Common Stock
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Recital A |
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Company Disclosure Letter
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Article IV |
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Company Employees
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Section 4.19(b) |
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Company Permits
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Section 4.6(a) |
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Company Stockholder
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Section 1.1(e) |
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Company Stockholder
Representative
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Section 1.1(d) |
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Company Stockholders Meeting
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Section 7.1(a) |
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Company Voting Debt
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Section 4.2(c) |
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Customers
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Section 4.10(a) |
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Damages
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Section 9.2(a) |
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Delaware Secretary of State
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Section 2.3 |
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DGCL
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Recital B |
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Effective Time of Merger I
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Section 2.3 |
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Effective Time of Merger II
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Section 2.3 |
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Encumbrance
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Section 1.1(f) |
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Environmental Law
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Section 4.17 |
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ERISA
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Section 4.13(a) |
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ERISA Affiliate
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Section 4.13(a) |
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Escrow Agent
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Section 3.4(a) |
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Escrow Agreement
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Section 3.4(a) |
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Escrow Fund
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Section 3.4(a) |
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Escrow Cash
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Section 3.4(a) |
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Escrow End Date
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Section 3.4(b) |
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Escrow Shares
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Section 3.4(a) |
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Exchange Act
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Section 1.1(g) |
iv
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Exchange Ratio
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Section 3.1(c) |
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Expenses
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Section 7.4 |
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First Certificate of Merger
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Section 2.3 |
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GAAP
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Section 4.4(a) |
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Governmental Entity
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Section 4.3(c) |
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Hazardous Substance
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Section 4.17 |
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Indemnifying Party/Parties
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Section 9.2(a) |
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Intellectual Property
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Section 4.18 |
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IRS
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Section 1.1(h) |
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Liabilities
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Section 1.1(i) |
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Liens
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Section 4.2(b) |
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Management Agreements
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Section 8.2(f) |
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Material Adverse Effect
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Section 1.1(j) |
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Material Agreement
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Section 4.12(a) |
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Merger I
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Recital B |
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Merger II
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Recital B |
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Merger Sub I
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Preamble |
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Merger Sub II
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|
Preamble |
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Merger Subs
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|
Preamble |
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Mergers
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Recital B |
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NASDAQ
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Section 3.7(c)(ii) |
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New Shares
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Section 3.5(a) |
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Non-Compete Agreements
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Section 8.2(d) |
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Notice
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Section 9.3 |
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Objection Notice
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Section 9.5(a) |
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Organizational Documents
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Section 1.1(k) |
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Parent
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Preamble |
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Parent Common Stock
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Recital A |
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Parent Indemnified Party
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Section 9.2(a) |
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Parent Indemnified Party
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Section 9.2(a) |
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Parent Indemnity Claims
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Section 9.3 |
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Person
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Section 1.1(l) |
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Plan
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Section 4.13(a) |
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Post-Closing Tax Period
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Section 6.3(d) |
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Pre-Closing Return
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Section 6.3(d) |
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Principal Stockholder
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Section 3.1(c) |
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Proposed Acquisition
Transactions
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Section 6.1(v) |
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Proprietary Technology
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Section 4.18 |
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Reasonable Best Efforts
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Section 1.1(m) |
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Reference Balance Sheet
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Section 4.4 |
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Reference Balance Sheet Date
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Section 4.4 |
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Required Regulatory Approvals
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Section 7.3 |
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Required Stockholder Vote
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Section 4.11 |
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SEC
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Section 1.1(n) |
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Second Certificate of Merger
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Section 2.3 |
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Securities Act
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Section 1.1(o) |
v
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Subsidiary
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Section 1.1(p) |
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Surviving Corporation
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Section 2.1 |
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Surviving Entity I
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Section 2.1 |
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Tax
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Section 1.1(q) |
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Tax Contest
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Section 6.3(d) |
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Tax Returns
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Section 1.1(r) |
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Third Party Claim
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Section 9.3 |
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Threshold
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Section 9.6 |
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Transfer Taxes
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Section 1.1(s) |
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Treasury Regulations
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Section 1.1(t) |
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Violation
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Section 4.3(b) |
vi
This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF
MERGER, dated as of February 1, 2005 (this “ Agreement
”), by and among Ambassadors International, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (“ Parent ”), Bellport Acquisition
Corp. #1, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Parent (“ Merger Sub I ”), Bellport Acquisition
Corp. #2, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Parent (“ Merger Sub II ,” and together with
Merger Sub I, the “ Merger Subs ”), BellPort
Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company
”), and Paul Penrose, as the company stockholders
representative.
R E C I T A L
S
A. The respective Boards of
Directors of Parent, Merger Subs and the Company have each
determined that the Mergers (as defined below) is in the best
interests of their respective stockholders and have approved the
Mergers upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in
this Agreement, whereby each issued and outstanding share of common
stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (“
Company Common Stock ”) will be converted into the
right to receive common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Parent
(“ Parent Common Stock ”), except in the case of
the Principal Stockholder (as defined herein), who will receive
cash for all of his shares of Company Common Stock;
B. In order to effectuate the
foregoing, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this
Agreement and in accordance with the Delaware General Corporation
Law (the “ DGCL ”), (i) Merger Sub I will merge
with and into the Company with the Company as the surviving
corporation (“ Merger I ”), and (ii) immediately
following the effectiveness of Merger I, the Company will merge
with and into Merger Sub II, with Merger Sub II as the surviving
corporation (“ Merger II ,” and together with
Merger I, the “ Mergers ”);
C. Parent, Merger Subs and
the Company desire to make certain representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements in connection with the Mergers and also to
prescribe various conditions to the Mergers; and
D. Parent, Merger Subs and
the Company intend, by approving resolutions authorizing this
Agreement, to adopt this Agreement as a plan of reorganization and
that the Mergers qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of
Section 368(a) of the Code, and the regulations promulgated
thereunder.
A G R E E M E N
T
NOW, THEREFORE, in
consideration of the foregoing and the respective representations,
warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein, and other
valuable consideration, the sufficiency and receipt of which is
hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the
parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I.
DEFINITIONS
1.1 Defined Terms
. As used in this Agreement, the terms below shall have the
following meanings. Any of such terms, unless the context requires
otherwise, may be used in the singular or plural, depending upon
the reference.
(a) “ Board of
Directors ” means the Board of Directors of any specified
Person and any properly serving and acting committees
thereof.
(b) “
Certificate ” means a certificate which immediately
prior to the Effective Time of Merger I represented outstanding
shares of Company Common Stock.
(c) “ Code
” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended.
(d) “ Company
Stockholder Representative ” initially means Paul
Penrose, as more fully described in Section 3.6 hereof.
(e) “ Company
Stockholder ” means a holder of Company Common Stock,
including the Principal Stockholder, unless otherwise
noted.
(f) “
Encumbrance ” shall mean any lien, pledge, mortgage,
security interest, claim, charge, easement, limitation, commitment,
encroachment, restriction (other than a restriction on
transferability imposed by federal or state securities laws) or
other encumbrance of any kind or nature whatsoever (whether
absolute or contingent).
(g) “ Exchange
Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
(h) “ IRS
” means the United States Internal Revenue Service or any
successor agency.
(i) “
Liabilities ” means all indebtedness, obligations and
other liabilities of a Person, whether absolute, accrued,
contingent (or based upon any contingency), known or unknown, fixed
or otherwise, or whether due or to become due.
(j) “ Material
Adverse Effect ” means, with respect to any entity, any
change, circumstance, event or effect that, individually or in the
aggregate, is or is reasonably likely to be materially adverse to
the business, operations, assets, Liabilities, financial condition
or results of operations of such Person and its Subsidiaries, taken
as a whole, or would prevent such Person from performing its
obligations under this Agreement; provided that (i) with
respect to Parent, solely a change in the market price of Parent
Common Stock shall not be a Material Adverse Effect on Parent; and
(ii) with respect to Parent and the Company, any change shall not
be a Material Adverse Effect if it is as a result of general
economic conditions.
(k) “ Organizational
Documents ” means, with respect to any entity, the
certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws or other governing
documents of such entity.
2
(l) “ Person
” means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited
liability company, association, trust, unincorporated organization,
entity or group (as defined in the Exchange Act).
(m) “ Reasonable
Best Efforts ” means, with respect to any party, that
such party shall use commercially reasonable efforts.
(n) “ SEC
” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission,
and any successor thereto.
(o) “ Securities
Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.
(p) “ Subsidiary
” when used with respect to any party means any corporation
or other organization, whether incorporated or unincorporated, (i)
of which such party or any other Subsidiary of such party is a
general partner (excluding partnerships, where the general
partnership interests are held by such party or any Subsidiary of
such party and do not constitute a majority of the voting and
economic interests in such partnership), or (ii) at least a
majority of the securities or other interests of which having by
their terms ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the Board
of Directors or others performing similar functions with respect to
such corporation or other organization is directly or indirectly
owned or controlled by such party or by any one or more of its
Subsidiaries, or by such party and one or more of its
Subsidiaries.
(q) “ Tax
” or “ Taxes ” shall mean any federal,
state, local or foreign income, gross receipts, license, payroll,
employment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, windfall
profits, environmental, customs duties, capital stock, franchise,
profits, withholding, social security, unemployment, disability,
real property, personal property, sales, use, transfer,
registration, value added, alternative or add-on minimum,
estimated, or other tax of any kind whatsoever, including any
interest, penalty, or addition thereto, whether disputed or
not.
(r) “ Tax
Returns ” shall mean any return, declaration, report,
claim for refund, or information return or statement relating to
Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto, and including
any amendment thereof.
(s) “ Transfer
Taxes ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section
6.3(e) of this Agreement.
(t) “ Treasury
Regulations ” shall mean the United States Treasury
regulations promulgated under the Code.
ARTICLE II.
THE
MERGERS
2.1 The Mergers
. At the Effective Time of Merger I (as defined in Section
2.3), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in
this Agreement and in accordance with the DGCL, Merger Sub I shall
be merged with and into the Company, and the separate existence of
Merger Sub I shall cease. The Company shall continue as the
surviving corporation in Merger I (“ Surviving Entity
I ”). Immediately following the Effective Time of Merger
I, upon the terms
3
and subject to the conditions set forth
in this Agreement and in accordance with the DGCL, Surviving Entity
I will be merged with and into Merger Sub II, and the separate
existence of Surviving Entity I shall cease. Merger Sub II shall
continue as the surviving entity of Merger II (the “
Surviving Corporation ”).
2.2 Closing .
The closing of the Mergers (the “ Closing ”)
will take place on the date hereof (the “ Closing Date
”), unless another time or date is agreed to in writing by
the parties hereto. The Closing shall be held at the offices of
Latham & Watkins LLP, 650 Town Center Drive, Suite 2000, Costa
Mesa, California 92626, unless another place is agreed to in
writing by the parties hereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
neither party shall be required consummate the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement if any temporary restraining order,
preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by a
court or other Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction shall
be in effect and have the effect of making the Mergers illegal or
otherwise prohibiting consummation of the Mergers.
2.3 Effective Time
. Upon the Closing, the parties shall file with the Secretary
of State of the State of Delaware (the “ Delaware
Secretary of State ”) a certificate of merger or other
appropriate documents for Merger I (in any such case, the “
First Certificate of Merger ”) executed in accordance
with the relevant provisions of the DGCL and shall make all other
filings, recordings or publications required under the DGCL in
connection with Merger I. Merger I shall become effective at such
time as the First Certificate of Merger is duly filed with the
Delaware Secretary of State, or at such other time as the parties
may agree and specify in the First Certificate of Merger (the time
Merger I becomes effective being the “ Effective Time of
Merger I ”). Subject to the provisions of this Agreement,
concurrently with or as soon as practicable following the Effective
Time of Merger I, the parties shall duly execute and file with the
Delaware Secretary of State a certificate of merger or other
appropriate documents for Merger II (in any such case, the “
Second Certificate of Merger ,” and together with the
First Certificate of Merger, the “ Certificates of
Merger ”) executed in accordance with the relevant
provisions of the DGCL, and shall make all other filings,
recordings or publications required under the DGCL in connection
with Merger II. Merger II shall become effective at such time as
the Second Certificate of Merger is duly filed with the Delaware
Secretary of State, or at such other time as the parties may agree
and specify in the Second Certificate of Merger (the time Merger II
becomes effective being the “ Effective Time of Merger
II ”).
2.4 Effects of the
Mergers . The Mergers shall have the effects set forth in
this Agreement and in applicable provisions of the DGCL.
2.5 Articles of
Incorporation . At the Effective Time of Merger I, the
certificate of incorporation of the Company shall be amended and
restated in its entirety to be identical to the certificate of
incorporation of Merger Sub I, as in effect immediately prior to
the Effective Time of Merger I, until thereafter changed or amended
as provided therein or by applicable law. At the Effective Time of
Merger II, the certificate of incorporation of Merger Sub II, as in
effect immediately prior to the Effective Time of Merger II, shall
be the certificate of incorporation of the Surviving Entity, until
thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or by applicable
law, except that Article I thereof shall be amended to read as
follows: “The name of the Corporation is BellPort Group,
Inc.”.
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2.6 Bylaws . At
the Effective Time of Merger I, the bylaws of the Company shall be
amended and restated in its entirety to be identical to the bylaws
of Merger Sub I, as in effect at the Effective Time of Merger I,
until thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or by
applicable law. At the Effective Time of Merger II, the bylaws of
Merger Sub II, as in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time
of Merger II, shall be bylaws of the Surviving Corporation, until
thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or by applicable
law.
2.7 Officers and
Directors of the Surviving Corporation . The officers and
directors of Merger Sub I immediately prior to the effective time
shall be the officers and directors of Surviving Entity I, until
the earlier of their resignation or removal or otherwise ceasing to
be an officer or director or until their respective successors are
duly elected and qualified, as the case may be. The Company shall
cause each officer and director of the Company to tender his or her
resignation prior to the Effective Time of Merger I, with each such
resignation to be effective as of the Effective Time of Merger I.
The officers and directors of Merger Sub II immediately prior to
the effective time shall be the officers and directors of Surviving
Corporation, until the earlier of their resignation or removal or
otherwise ceasing to be an officer or director or until their
respective successors are duly elected and qualified, as the case
may be
ARTICLE
III.
EFFECT OF THE
TRANSACTION ON THE CAPITAL STOCK
OF THE CONSTITUENT
CORPORATIONS; EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES
3.1 Effect on Capital
Stock in Merger I . As of the Effective Time of Merger I,
by virtue of Merger I and without any action on the part of Parent,
the Merger Subs, the Company, the Company Stockholders or any
holder of shares of the capital stock of Merger Subs:
(a) Capital Stock of
Merger Subs . Each issued and outstanding share of capital
stock of Merger Sub I shall be converted into and become one (1)
fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock, par value
$0.001 per share, of Surviving Entity I.
(b) Cancellation of
Treasury Stock and Parent-Owned Stock . Each share of Company
Common Stock that is owned by the Company and each share of Company
Common Stock that is owned by Parent, Merger Subs or any other
wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent shall automatically be canceled
and retired and shall cease to exist, and no Parent Common Stock or
other consideration shall be delivered in exchange
therefor.
(c) Conversion of Company
Common Stock . Except for shares of Company Common Stock held
by Richard S. Stevens (the “ Principal Stockholder
”), each share of Company Common Stock, issued and
outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time of Merger I
(other than dissenting shares and shares cancelled pursuant to
Section 3.1(c)), shall be converted into the right to receive [
] shares of Parent Common Stock (the “ Exchange Ratio
”). All shares of Company Common Stock held of record by the
Principal Stockholder shall be converted into the right to receive
$[
], without interest. As of the Effective Time of Merger I, all
shares of Company Common Stock shall no longer be outstanding and
shall automatically be canceled and retired and shall cease to
exist, and each holder of any shares of
5
Company Common Stock shall cease to have
any rights with respect thereto, except (i) in the case of all
Company Stockholders (excluding the Principal Stockholder), the
right to receive upon the surrender of such shares, certificates
representing the shares of Parent Common Stock, and cash in lieu of
fractional shares of Parent Common Stock upon surrender of such
shares in accordance with Section 3.7(c), without interest, and,
(ii) in the case of the Principal Stockholder, the right to receive
upon the surrender of such shares, the cash payment provided for in
this Section 3.1(c). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if between the
date of this Agreement and the Effective Time of Merger I, the
outstanding shares of Parent Common Stock or Company Common Stock
shall have been changed into a different number of shares or a
different class, by reason of any stock dividend, subdivision,
reclassification, recapitalization, split, combination or exchange
of shares, or any similar event shall have occurred, the Exchange
Ratio shall be correspondingly adjusted to provide to the holders
of Company Common Stock the same economic effect as contemplated by
this Agreement prior to such event.
3.2 Effect on Capital
Stock in Merger II . As of the Effective Time of Merger II,
by virtue of Merger II and without any action on the part of
Parent, Surviving Entity I, Merger Sub II or the holder of any
shares of capital stock of Surviving Entity I, each issued and
outstanding share of capital stock of Surviving Entity I shall be
converted into and become one (1) fully paid and non-assessable
share of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Surviving
Corporation.
3.3 Dissenting
Shares . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the
contrary, shares of Company Common Stock which are dissenting
shares (as defined in the DGCL), if any, shall not be converted
into or represent a right to receive any shares of Parent Common
Stock, but the holders thereof shall be entitled only to such
rights as are granted by the DGCL. Each holder of dissenting shares
who becomes entitled to payment therefor pursuant to the DGCL shall
receive payment from the Surviving Corporation in accordance with
the DGCL; provided, however , that (i) if any such holder of
dissenting shares shall have failed to establish his or her
entitlement to dissenter’s rights as provided in the DGCL,
(ii) if any such holder of dissenting shares shall have effectively
withdrawn his or her demand for appraisal thereof or lost his or
her right to appraisal and payment therefor under the DGCL, or
(iii) if neither any holder of dissenting shares nor the Surviving
Corporation shall have filed a petition demanding a determination
of the value of all dissenting shares within the time provided in
the DGCL, such holder or holders (as the case may be) shall forfeit
the right to appraisal of such shares of Company Common Stock and
such shares of Company Common Stock shall thereupon be deemed to
have been converted, as of the Effective Time of Merger I, into and
represent shares of Parent Common Stock and cash (without
interest), as applicable, as provided in Section 3.1(c)
hereof.
3.4 Escrow Fund
.
(a) Prior to the Effective
Time of Merger I, Parent shall appoint a bank or trust company or
other entity to act as the escrow agent (the “ Escrow
Agent ”), and shall execute and deliver an escrow
agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit
A (the “ Escrow Agreement ”). Pursuant to
the Escrow Agreement, ten percent (10%) of the shares of Parent
Common Stock to be issued to Company Stockholders (the “
Escrow Shares ”) and ten percent (10%) of the cash to
be paid to the Principal Stockholder at the Effective Time of
Merger
6
I (the “ Escrow Cash
,” and together with the Escrow Shares, the “ Escrow
Fund ”) pursuant to Section 3.1(c) shall be issued in the
name of and paid to the Escrow Agent on behalf of the Company
Stockholders and retained in escrow pursuant to this Section 3.4
and the terms of the Escrow Agreement.
(b) As soon as practicable
after the Closing Date, Parent shall deliver to the Escrow Agent
(i) a certificate representing the Escrow Shares and (ii) the
Escrow Cash. The Escrow Fund shall be held by the Escrow Agent
exclusively for the purpose of securing Parent Indemnity Claims
pursuant to Article IX hereof. The Escrow Fund shall be held by the
Escrow Agent for a period of twelve (12) months after the Closing
Date (the “ Escrow End Date ”) under the Escrow
Agreement pursuant to the terms thereof; provided, however ,
that only so much of the Escrow Fund will be released to the
Company Stockholders after the Escrow End Date as have a value (for
the Escrow Shares, as determined by Section 9.6(b)) in excess of
the amount of the Parent Indemnity Claims that have been made and
that have been determined to be valid or not yet determined to be
invalid pursuant to Article IX hereof as of the Escrow End Date.
Except to the extent of such Parent Indemnity Claims which have
been made and have been determined to be valid or not yet
determined to be invalid pursuant to Article IX hereof, the Escrow
Shares shall be delivered to the Company Stockholders (other than
the Principal Stockholder) in the name of such Company Stockholders
and the Escrow Cash shall be paid to the Principal Stockholder
promptly following the Escrow End Date.
3.5 Miscellaneous
Provisions Relating to the Escrow.
(a) Any shares of Parent
Common Stock or other equity equivalents issued or distributed by
Parent (“ New Shares ”) in respect of Escrow
Shares which have not been released from the Escrow Fund shall be
added to, and shall be deemed, Escrow Shares.
(b) The adoption of this
Agreement and the approval of the Mergers by the Company
Stockholders shall constitute approval of the Escrow Agreement and
of all arrangements relating thereto, including, without
limitation, the placement of the Escrow Fund in escrow and the
appointment of the Escrow Agent and the Company Stockholder
Representative.
3.6 Company Stockholder
Representative.
(a) Paul Penrose shall be the
Company Stockholder Representative and as such shall serve as and
have all powers as agent and attorney-in-fact of each Company
Stockholder, for and on behalf of such Company Stockholders: (i) to
give and receive notices and communications; (ii) to have authority
to agree to, negotiate, enter into settlements and compromises of,
and demand mediation and arbitration and comply with orders of
courts and awards of arbitrators with respect to any disputes
involving any Parent Indemnity Claims made by Parent and the
retaining of any portion of the Escrow Fund by Parent thereunder;
(iii) to litigate, mediate, arbitrate, defend, enforce or to take
any other actions and execute any documents that the Company
Stockholder Representative deems advisable in connection with
enforcing any rights or obligations or defending any claim or
action under this Agreement or the Escrow Agreement on behalf of
the Company Stockholders or their property or against any person
who has caused a loss or damage to the Company Stockholders; (iv)
to sign receipts, consents, or other documents to effect the
transactions contemplated hereby; (v) to have the
7
authority to withhold or direct the
disposition of the Escrow Fund pursuant to Section 3.6(e); and (vi)
to take any and all actions necessary or appropriate in the
judgment of the Company Stockholder Representative for the
accomplishment of the foregoing. If Paul Penrose ceases to act as
Company Stockholder Representative for any reason, such Company
Stockholder Representative or his agent shall notify Parent of such
Company Stockholder Representative’s intent to resign as
Company Stockholder Representative, and the Company Stockholders
entitled to receive a majority of the Escrow Shares shall, by
written notice to Parent, appoint a successor Company Stockholder
Representative within thirty (30) days. Notice or communications to
or from any Company Stockholder Representative shall constitute
notice to or from each of the Company Stockholders.
(b) Subject to Section
3.6(a), in the event of (i) the death or permanent disability of
the Company Stockholder Representative, (ii) his, her or its
resignation as a Company Stockholder Representative, or (iii) the
removal of the Company Stockholder Representative by Company
Stockholders entitled to receive a majority of the Escrow Shares, a
successor Company Stockholder Representative shall be elected by
the Company Stockholders entitled to receive a majority of the
Escrow Shares. Each successor Company Stockholder Representative
shall have all of the power, authority, rights and privileges
conferred by this Agreement upon the original Company Stockholder
Representative, and the term “Company Stockholder
Representative” as used herein shall be deemed to include
successor Company Stockholder Representatives.
(c) The Company Stockholder
Representative may, in all questions arising under this Agreement
and the Escrow Agreement, rely on the advice of counsel, and shall
not be liable to the Company Stockholders for any action taken or
not taken as a Company Stockholder Representative in the absence of
such Company Stockholder Representative’s willful
misconduct.
(d) A decision, act, consent
or instruction of the Company Stockholder Representative shall
constitute a decision of all the Company Stockholders, and shall be
final, binding and conclusive upon each of the Company
Stockholders, and Parent and the Company may rely upon any
decision, act, consent or instruction of the Company Stockholder
Representative as being the decision, act, consent or instruction
of each and all of the Company Stockholders. Parent and the Company
are relieved from any liability to any person for any acts done by
them in accordance with such decision, act, consent or instruction.
Although the Company Stockholder Representative shall not be
obligated to obtain instructions from the Company Stockholders
prior to any decision, act, consent or instruction, if, and to the
extent that, the Company Stockholder Representative receives any
written instructions from the Company Stockholders entitled to
receive a majority of the Escrow Shares held by the Escrow Agent,
the Company Stockholder Representative shall comply with such
instructions.
(e) The Company Stockholders
shall share, on a pro rata basis in relation to their holdings of
Company Common Stock, the professional fees and expenses of any
attorney, accountants or other advisors retained by the Company
Stockholder Representative in connection with any action taken or
not taken as a Company Stockholder Representative. The Company
Stockholder Representative shall be entitled to request in writing
and Escrow Agent shall withhold from any escrow payments to the
Company Stockholders, upon such request, amounts
8
payable to attorneys, accountants or
other advisors, which amounts shall be paid to such individuals or
the Company Stockholder Representative, as set forth in the request
submitted by the Company Stockholder Representative.
3.7 Exchange of
Certificates.
(a) Exchange Procedure
. Subject to the provisions of Sections 3.1(b) and (c), Section 3.3
and Section 3.4 hereof, (i) each holder of a Certificate, except
the Principal Stockholder, shall be entitled to receive in exchange
therefor, upon surrender thereof, a certificate or certificates
representing the number of whole shares of Parent Common Stock into
which such shares of Company Common Stock were converted pursuant
to Section 3.1(c) hereof, and a check representing any cash payable
in lieu of any fractional share of Parent Common Stock pursuant to
Section 3.7(c) hereof, and (ii) the Principal Stockholder shall be
entitled to receive in exchange therefor, upon surrender thereof,
the cash payment provided for in Section 3.1(c). If any certificate
for shares of Parent Common Stock is to be issued in a name other
than that in which the Certificate surrendered in exchange therefor
is registered, it shall be a condition of such issuance that the
person requesting such issuance shall pay any transfer or other Tax
required by reason of the issuance of certificates for such shares
of Parent Common Stock in a name other than that of the registered
holder of the Certificate surrendered, or shall establish to the
satisfaction of Parent or its agent that such Tax has been paid or
is not applicable.
(b) No Further Ownership
Rights in Company Common Stock . All shares of Parent Common
Stock issued or cash paid upon the surrender for exchange of
Certificates in accordance with the terms of this Article III
(including any cash paid pursuant to Section 3.7(c)) shall be
deemed to have been issued and paid in full satisfaction of all
rights pertaining to the shares of Company Common Stock theretofore
represented by such Certificates, and there shall be no further
registration of transfers on the stock transfer books of the
Surviving Corporation of the shares of Company Common Stock which
were outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time of Merger
I. If, after the Effective Time of Merger I, Certificates are
presented to the Surviving Corporation for any reason, they shall
be canceled and exchanged as provided in this Article III, except
as otherwise provided by law.
(c) No Fractional
Shares .
(i) No certificate
representing fractional shares of Parent Common Stock shall be
issued upon the surrender for exchange of Certificates, and such
fractional share interests will not entitle the owner thereof to
vote or to any rights of a stockholder of Parent.
(ii) Each holder of a
Certificate issued and outstanding at the Effective Time of Merger
I who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fractional share of
Parent Common Stock upon surrender of such Certificate for exchange
pursuant to this Article III (after taking into account all shares
of Company Common Stock then held by such holder) shall receive, in
lieu thereof, cash in an amount equal to the value of such
fractional share, which shall be equal to the fraction of a share
of Parent Common Stock that would otherwise be issued multiplied by
an amount equal to average daily volume-weighted trading price of
Parent Common Stock, as reported on The NASDAQ National Market
(“ NASDAQ ”), over the period beginning on
December 10, 2004 and ending on January 31, 2005.
9
(iii) As soon as practicable
after the determination of the amount of cash, if any, to be paid
to holders of Certificates with respect to any fractional share
interests, Parent shall promptly pay such amounts, without
interest, to such holders of Certificates subject to and in
accordance with this Article III.
(d) No Liability .
None of Parent, Merger Subs or the Company shall be liable to any
Person in respect of any shares of Parent Common Stock (or
dividends or distributions with respect thereto), cash to be
distributed in lieu of fractional shares or, in the case of the
Principal Stockholder, cash for shares of Company Common Stock,
delivered or paid to a public official pursuant to any applicable
abandoned property, escheat or similar law.
(e) Lost Certificates
. In the event that any Certificate shall have been lost, stolen or
destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the
Person claiming such Certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed
and, if required by Parent, the written agreement of such Person to
indemnify Parent against any claim that may be made against it with
respect to such Certificate, Parent will issue in exchange for such
lost, stolen or destroyed Certificate (i) in the case of a Company
Stockholder, other than the Principal Stockholder, Parent Common
Stock, and any cash in lieu of fractional shares and any unpaid
dividends or distributions with respect to Parent Common Stock, to
which they are entitled pursuant hereto, and (ii) in the case of
the Principal Stockholder, the cash payment provided for in Section
3.1(c).
(f) Withholding Rights
. Parent and its agents shall be entitled to deduct and withhold
from the consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement
to any former holder of shares of Company Common Stock such amounts
as Parent is required to deduct and withhold with respect to the
making of such payment under the Code, or any provision of state,
local or foreign tax law, or any court order. To the extent that
amounts are so withheld by Parent or its agents, such withheld
amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as
having been paid to the Company Stockholders in respect of which
such deduction and withholding was made by Parent or its
agents.
ARTICLE IV.
REPRESENTATIONS AND
WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
The Company represents and
warrants to Parent and Merger Subs that the statements contained in
this Article IV are correct and complete as of the date of this
Agreement and will also be correct and complete as of the Closing
Date, except as set forth in the disclosure letter delivered by the
Company to Parent on the date hereof (the “ Company
Disclosure Letter ”). The Company Disclosure Letter is
arranged in paragraphs corresponding to the lettered and numbered
paragraphs contained in this Article IV, and the disclosures in any
paragraph of the Company Disclosure Letter shall qualify the
corresponding paragraph in this Article IV and such other
paragraphs only to the extent it is clear from a reading of the
disclosure that such disclosure is applicable to such other
paragraphs.
4.1 Organization,
Standing and Power . Each of the Company and its
Subsidiaries has been duly incorporated and is validly existing and
in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of
incorporation and has the requisite power and authority to carry on
its business as
10
now being conducted. Each of the Company
and its Subsidiaries is duly qualified and in good standing to do
business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business
or the ownership or leasing of its properties makes such
qualification necessary, except where the failure to so qualify
could not reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to the
Company. The copies of the Organizational Documents of the Company
and its Subsidiaries which were previously furnished to Parent are
true, complete and correct copies of such documents as in effect on
the date of this Agreement. Section 4.1 of the Company Disclosure
Letter sets forth a complete and accurate list of each of the
Company’s Subsidiaries.
4.2 Capital
Structure.
(a) The authorized capital
stock of the Company consists solely of 10,000 shares of Company
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share. There are 5,000 shares of
Company Common Stock issued and outstanding. All shares of capital
stock of the Company have been duly authorized and validly issued
and are fully paid and nonassessable and were not issued in
violation of any preemptive rights. Except as set forth in this
Section 4.2, there are outstanding (i) no shares of capital stock
or other voting securities of the Company (including any capital
stock equivalents), (ii) no securities of the Company convertible
into or exchangeable for shares of capital stock or voting
securities of the Company, (iii) no options, preemptive or other
rights to acquire from the Company, and no obligation of the
Company to issue any capital stock, voting securities or securities
convertible into or exchangeable for capital stock or voting
securities of the Company, and (iv) no equity equivalent interest
in the ownership or earnings of the Company or other similar
rights. If applicable, for each of (i) – (iv) above, Section
4.2(a) of the Company Disclosure Letter sets forth the identity of
the person holding such security, the number of securities, the
exercise price, if any, the vesting schedule, if any, and other
similar information all in reasonable detail. There are no
outstanding obligations of the Company to repurchase, redeem or
otherwise acquire any of the Company’s securities. Except as
set forth on Section 4.2 of the Company Disclosure Letter, the
Company is not a party to any employment or other agreements and
has not made any offers for employment that contemplate or obligate
the Company to grant any options or issue any stock or other
instruments convertible into stock.
(b) All of the issued and
outstanding shares of capital stock of each of the Company’s
Subsidiaries are duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable and are owned by the Company, free and clear of any
liens, claims, Encumbrances, restrictions, preemptive rights or any
other claims of any third party (“ Liens ”).
There are outstanding no options, preemptive or other rights to
acquire from any of the Company’s Subsidiaries, and no
obligation of any of the Company’s Subsidiaries to issue any
capital stock, voting securities or securities convertible into or
exchangeable for capital stock or voting securities of such
Subsidiary. Except for the capital stock of the Company’s
Subsidiaries listed on Section 4.1 of the Company Disclosure
Letter, the Company does not own, directly or indirectly, any
capital stock or other ownership interest in any Person.
(c) No bonds, debentures,
notes or other indebtedness of the Company having the right to vote
on any matters on which stockholders may vote (“ Company
Voting Debt ”) are issued or outstanding.
11
(d) Each of the Company
Stockholders is the owner, beneficially and of record, of the
number of shares of Company Common Stock as set forth on Section
4.2(d) of the Company Disclosure Letter in reasonable detail, and,
except as set forth on Section 4.2(d) of the Company Disclosure
Letter, there exists no encumbrance of any kind with respect to
such shares of each Company Stockholder’s Company Common
Stock. Except as set forth on Section 4.2(d) of the Company
Disclosure in reasonable detail, no Company Stockholder is a party
to any stockholders agreement, voting trust or other voting or
similar agreement with respect to Company Common Stock.
4.3 Authority; No
Conflicts.
(a) The Company has all
requisite corporate power and corporate authority to enter into
this Agreement, subject, in the case of the consummation of the
Mergers only, to the adoption of this Agreement and the approval of
the Mergers by the requisite vote of the holders of Company Common
Stock to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and
constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the Company,
enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms,
except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws relating to
or affecting creditors generally and by general equity principles
(regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a
proceeding in equity or at law). The Board of Directors of the
Company has unanimously (i) determined that Merger I is advisable
and fair to, and in the best interests of, the Company and its
stockholders, (b) has approved this Agreement, Merger I and the
other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and has deemed
this Agreement advisable and (c) has determined to recommend
adoption of this Agreement and the approval of Merger I by the
stockholders of the Company (collectively, the “ Company
Board Recommendation ”). The Company Board Recommendation
has been neither rescinded nor revoked.
(b) The filings of the
Certificates of Merger as required by the DGCL, the execution and
delivery of this Agreement does not or will not, as the case may
be, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
and thereby will not, conflict with, or result in any violation of,
or constitute a default (with or without notice or lapse of time,
or both) under, or give rise to a right of consent, termination,
amendment, cancellation or acceleration of any material obligation
or the loss of any material property, right or benefit under, or
the creation of a lien, pledge, security interest, charge or other
encumbrance on any assets (any such conflict, violation, default,
right of consent, termination, amendment, cancellation or
acceleration, loss or creation, a “ Violation ”)
pursuant to: (A) any provision of the Organizational Documents of
the Company (determined without regard to materiality), or (B) any
loan or credit agreement, note, mortgage, bond, indenture, lease,
benefit plan or other agreement, obligation, instrument, permit,
concession, franchise, license, judgment, order, decree, statute,
law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable to the Company, or
its properties or assets.
(c) No consent, approval,
order or authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing
with, any supranational, national, state, municipal or local
government, any instrumentality, subdivision, court, administrative
agency or commission or other authority thereof, or any
quasi-governmental or private body exercising any regulatory,
taxing, or other governmental or quasi-governmental authority (a
“ Governmental Entity ”), is required by or
with
12
respect to the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries in connection with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement by the Company or the consummation by the Company of the
transactions contemplated hereby, except for (x) those required
under or in relation to the DGCL with respect to the filing and
recordation of Merger I or other documents; and (y) such consents,
approvals, orders, authorizations, registrations, declarations and
filings, the failure of which to make or obtain would not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Company or materially impair or delay the ability of the Company to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby.
4.4 Financial
Statements . The audited balance sheet of the Company as of
December 31, 2004 (the “ Reference Balance Sheet Date
”), and the related audited statements of income and cash
flows of the Company, including notes to the financial statements
present fairly the financial condition and results of operations of
the Company and its Subsidiaries as of such date or for the period
covered thereby and were prepared in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles (“ GAAP ”)
applied on a consistent basis and consistent with the past
accounting practices of the Company (the “ Reference
Balance Sheet ”).
4.5 No Undisclosed
Liabilities . Neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries has any Liability, except for (i) Liabilities accrued
or reserved against the Reference Balance Sheet; (ii) Liabilities
which have arisen after the date of the Reference Balance Sheet in
the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and
which are immaterial in amount; and (iii) Liabilities that would
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Company.
4.6 Compliance with
Applicable Laws; Regulatory Matters.
(a) To the Company’s
knowledge, the Company and its Subsidiaries hold all permits,
licenses, certificates, franchises, registrations, variances,
exemptions, orders and approvals of all Governmental Entities which
are material to the operation of their businesses (the “
Company Permits ”). The Company and its Subsidiaries
are in material compliance with the terms of the Company Permits.
To the knowledge of the Company, the businesses of the Company and
its Subsidiaries are not being and have not been conducted in
violation of any law, ordinance, regulation, judgment, decree,
injunction, rule or order of any Governmental Entity, and the
Company and its Subsidiaries have not received any written warning,
notice, notice of violation or probable violation, notice of
revocation, or other written communication from or on behalf of any
Governmental Entity, alleging (A) any violation of any Company
Permit, or (B) that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries require
any Company Permit required for its business that is not currently
held by it. No investigation or inquiry by any Governmental Entity
with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is pending
or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened.
(b) To the Company’s
knowledge, the Company and its Subsidiaries possess such
certificates, authorizations, licenses, approvals, or permits
issued by the appropriate local, state, federal or foreign
regulatory agencies or bodies that are material to, or legally
required for, the operation of its business. The Company and its
Subsidiaries have not received any notice of proceedings relating
to, or otherwise have knowledge that any governmental body or
agency is considering, limiting, suspending, modifying or revoking
any such certificate, authorization, license, approval, or
permit.
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(c) To the knowledge of the
Company, all material reports, documents, claims, notices or
approvals required to be filed, obtained, maintained, or furnished
to any state or federal governmental agency by the Company and its
Subsidiaries have been so filed, obtained, maintained or furnished.
All such reports, documents, claims and notices were complete and
correct in all material respects on the date filed (or were
corrected in or supplemented by a subsequent filing) such that no
liability exists with respect to such filing.
(d) Neither the Company or
its Subsidiaries, nor, to the knowledge of the Company, their
respective officers, directors or managing employees, have engaged
in any activities which are prohibited under federal or state
criminal or civil laws or the regulations promulgated pursuant to
such laws, or are cause for civil penalties or mandatory or
permissive exclusion from any other state or federal
program.
4.7 Litigation
. Section 4.7 of the Company Disclosure Letter sets forth a
true and complete list of all litigation as of the date hereof,
including reasonable detail regarding the current status of such
litigation, to which either the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
is or, to the knowledge of the Company, is threatened to be, a
party or as to which their property or assets may be bound. Except
as set forth on Section 4.7 of the Company Disclosure Letter, there
is no litigation, arbitration, claim, suit, action, investigation,
inquiry or proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of the Company,
threatened, against or affecting the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, nor is there any judgment, award, decree, injunction,
rule or order of any Governmental Entity or arbitrator outstanding
against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
4.8 Taxes
.
(a) Filing of Tax
Returns . Each of the Company and its Subsidiaries has timely
filed with the appropriate taxing authorities all Tax Returns
required to be filed through the date hereof. All such Tax Returns
are complete and accurate in all material respects. All Taxes due
and owing by any of the Company and its Subsidiaries on or before
the date hereof (whether or not shown on any Tax Returns) have been
paid. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is currently
the beneficiary of any extension of time within which to file any
Tax Return. No claim has ever been made by an authority in a
jurisdiction where the Company or any of its Subsidiaries do not
file Tax Returns that they are or may be subject to taxation by
that jurisdiction.
(b) Payment of Taxes .
The unpaid Taxes of each of the Company and its Subsidiaries (i)
did not, as of the dates of the Reference Balance Sheet, exceed the
reserve for Tax Liability (excluding any reserve for deferred Taxes
established to reflect timing differences between book and Tax
income) set forth on the face of the balance sheets (rather than in
any notes thereto) contained in the Reference Balance Sheet, and
(ii) will not exceed that reserve as adjusted for operations and
transactions through the Closing Date in accordance with the past
custom and practice of the Company in filing its Tax Returns. Since
the date of the Reference Balance Sheet, the Company has not
incurred any Liability for Taxes outside the ordinary course of
business or otherwise inconsistent with past custom and practice.
For purposes of this representation, Taxes shall be allocated in
the manner set forth in the last sentence in Section
6.3(b).
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(c) Audits, Investigations
or Claims . No deficiencies for Taxes have been claimed,
proposed or assessed by any taxing or other governmental authority
against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. There are no
pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened audits,
assessments or other actions for or relating to any Liability in
respect of Taxes of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and
there are no matters under discussion with any governmental
authorities, or known to the Company with respect to Taxes that are
likely to result in an additional Liability for Taxes with respect
to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. The Company has
delivered or made available to Parent complete and accurate copies
of federal, state and local Tax Returns of the Company and its
predecessors for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003.
Neither the Company nor any predecessor has waived any statute of
limitations in respect of Taxes or agreed to any extension of time
with respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency, nor has any request
been made in writing for any such extension or waiver. No power of
attorney (other than powers of attorney authorizing employees of
the Company to act on behalf of the Company) with respect to any
Taxes has been executed or filed with any Tax authority.
(d) Encumbrances .
There are no Encumbrances for Taxes on any assets of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries other than Encumbrances for Taxes not yet
due and payable.
(e) Tax Elections .
All elections with respect to Taxes affecting the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries as of the date hereof, to the extent such
elections are not shown on or in the Tax Returns that have been
delivered or made available to Parent, are set forth on Schedule
4.8 of the Company Disclosure Letter. The Company and its
Subsidiaries (i) have not consented at any time under former
Section 341(f)(1) of the Code to have the provisions of former
Section 341(f)(2) of the Code apply to any disposition of the
assets of the Company; (ii) have not agreed, nor are required, to
make any adjustment under Section 481(a) of the Code by reason of a
change in accounting method or otherwise; (iii) have not made an
election, nor are required, to treat any asset of the Company as
owned by another Person pursuant to the provisions of former
Section 168(f) of the Code or as tax-exempt bond financed property
or tax-exempt use property within the meaning of Section 168 of the
Code; (iv) have not acquired or do not own any assets that directly
or indirectly secure any debt the interest on which is tax exempt
under Section 103(a) of the Code; (v) have not made or will not
make a consent dividend election under Section 565 of the Code;
(vi) have not elected at any time to be treated as an S corporation
within the meaning of Sections 1361 or 1362 of the Code; and (vii)
have not made any of the foregoing elections nor are required to
apply any of the foregoing rules under any comparable state or
local Tax provision.
(f) Tax Sharing
Agreements . There are no Tax-sharing agreements or similar
arrangements (including indemnity arrangements) with respect to or
involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and, after the
Closing Date, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall
be bound by any such Tax-sharing agreements or similar arrangements
or have any Liability thereunder for amounts due in respect of
periods prior to the Closing Date.
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(g) Other Entity
Liability . Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries
have been a member of an affiliated group filing a consolidated
federal income Tax Return (other than a group the common Buyer of
which is the Company). The Company and its Subsidiaries have no
Liability for the Taxes of any Person (other than Taxes of the
Company and its Subsidiaries) (i) under Treasury Regulation Section
1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local, or foreign
law), (ii) as a transferee or successor, (iii) by contract, or (iv)
otherwise.
(h) No Withholding .
Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary have been a United States
real property holding corporation within the meaning of Section
897(c)(2) of the Code during the applicable period specified in
Section 897(c)(1)(A)(ii) of the Code. The Company and its
Subsidiaries have withheld and paid all Taxes required to have been
withheld and paid in connection with amounts paid or owing to any
employee, independent contractor, creditor, stockholder or other
third party. The transactions contemplated herein are not subject
to the tax withholding provisions of Section 3406 of the Code, or
of Merger Subchapter A of Chapter 3 of the Code or of any other
provision of law.
(i) Parachute and
Compensation Payments . Neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries is a party to any agreement, contract, arrangement or
plan that has resulted or could result, separately or in the
aggregate, in the payment of any “excess parachute
payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code or
which would result in a disallowed deduction under Section 162(m)
of the Code.
(j) Partnerships, Single
Member LLCs, CFCs, PHCs and PFICs . Neither the Company nor any
of its Subsidiaries (i) is a partner for Tax purposes with respect
to any joint venture, partnership, or other arrangement or contract
which is treated as a partnership for Tax purposes, (ii) owns a
single member limited liability company which is treated as a
disregarded entity other than LLC, (iii) is a stockholder of a
“controlled foreign corporation” as defined in Section
957 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or
foreign law), (iv) is a “personal holding company” as
defined in Section 542 of the Code (or any similar provision of
state, local or foreign law), or (v) is a stockholder in a
“passive foreign investment company” within the meaning
of Section 1297 of the Code.
(k) Permanent
Establishment . Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries
have and have not had a permanent establishment in any foreign
country, as defined in any applicable Tax treaty or convention
between the United States of America and such foreign
country.
(l) International
Boycotts . The Company and its Subsidiaries have never
participated in nor are participating in an international boycott
within the meaning of Section 999 of the Code.
(m) Disallowance of
Interest Deductions . None of the outstanding indebtedness of
the Company constitutes indebtedness with respect to which any
interest deductions may be disallowed under Sections 163(i) or
163(l) or 279 of the Code or under any other provision of
applicable law.
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(n) Tax Shelters . The
Company has not entered into any transaction identified as a
“listed transaction” for purposes of Treasury
Regulations Sections 1.6011-4(b)(2) or 301.6111-2(b)(2). If the
Company has entered into any transaction such that, if the
treatment claimed by it were to be disallowed, the transaction
would constitute a substantial understatement of federal income tax
within the meaning of Section 6662 of the Code, then it believes
that it has either (x) substantial authority for the tax treatment
of such transaction or (y) disclosed on its Tax Return the relevant
facts affecting the tax treatment of such transaction.
(o) Spin-Offs . The
Company has not distributed the stock of any corporation in a
transaction satisfying the requirements of Section 355 of the Code
since April 16, 1997, and the stock of the Company has not been
distributed in a transaction satisfying the requirements of Section
355 of the Code since April 16, 1997.
4.9 Reorganization
Treatment.
(a) Intention Regarding
Treatment of the Mergers . For federal income tax purposes, the
Company intends that Merger I and Merger II shall be treated as a
single integrated transaction.
(b) Assets . At the
Effective Time of Merger I, the Company will hold at least 90
percent of the fair market value of Company’s net assets and
at least 70 percent of the fair market value of Company’s
gross assets held immediately prior to the Effective Time of Merger
I. For purposes of this representation, amounts paid by the Company
to dissenting Company Stockholders, amounts used by the Company to
pay the expenses related to the Mergers, amounts paid by the
Company to redeem stock, securities, warrants or options of the
Company as part of any overall plan of which the Mergers are a
part, and amounts distributed by the Company to Company
Stockholders (except for any regular, normal dividends) as part of
an overall plan of which the Mergers are a part, in each case will
be included as assets of the Company held immediately prior to the
Effective Time of Merger I.
(c) Business . The
Company currently conducts a business. Such business is the
Company’s “historic business” within the meaning
of Treasury Regulations Section 1.368-1(d), and no assets of the
Company have been sold, transferred, or otherwise disposed of that
would prevent Parent from continuing the “historic
business” of the Company or from using a “significant
portion” of the Company’s “historic business
assets” in a business following the Mergers, as such terms
are used in Treasury Regulations Section 1.368-1(d).
(d) Investment Company
. The Company is not an investment company, as defined in Sections
368(a)(2)(F)(iii) and (iv) of the Code.
(e) Title 11 . The
Company is not under the jurisdiction of a court in a Title 11 or
similar case within the meaning of Section 368(a)(3)(A) of the
Code.
(f) Redemptions and
Distributions . To the Company’s knowledge, neither the
Company nor any person related to the Company within the meaning of
Treasury Regulations Sections 1.368-1(e)(3), (e)(4) and (e)(5) has
purchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired, or made any
distributions with respect to, any of the Company’s stock
prior to or in contemplation of the Mergers, or otherwise as part
of a plan of which the Mergers is a part.
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(g) Continuity of
Interest . As of the Effective Time of Merger I, the portion of
the Initial Stock Consideration not deposited into escrow pursuant
to Section 3.4 of this Agreement shall have a value of not less
than fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate value as of such time of
such Stock Consideration, the total Cash Consideration payable to
all Stockholders, and any indebtedness owed by the Stockholders to
the Company that is forgiven as part of an overall plan of which
the Mergers are a part.
(h) Intercorporate
Indebtedness . At the Effective Time of Merger I, there will be
no intercorporate indebtedness existing between Parent and the
Company or the Merger Subs and the Company that was issued or
acquired, or will be settled, at a discount.
(i) Liabilities . The
liabilities of the Company assumed by Parent and the liabilities to
which the transferred assets are subject were incurred by the
Company in the ordinary course of its business.
(j) Value of Transferred
Assets . The fair market value of the assets of the Company
transferred to the Surviving Corporation will equal or exceed the
sum of the liabilities assumed by the Surviving Corporation, plus
the amount of liabilities, if any, to which the transferred assets
are subject.
(k) Merger Expenses .
The Company will pay its expenses, if any, incurred in connection
with the Mergers.
4.10 Absence of Certain
Changes or Events.
(a) Except for incurring the
expenses, making the payments, or the other transactions
contemplated in or by this Agreement, since the date of the
Reference Balance Sheet, (i) each of the Company and its
Subsidiaries has conducted its businesses in the ordinary course
consistent with past practice and has not incurred any material
liability, except in the ordinary course of its business consistent
with past practice; (ii) there has not been any change in the
business, financial condition, Liabilities, assets, technology,
Intellectual Property, employee relations, customer relations,
supplier relations, manufacturer relations or distributor
relations, or results of operations of the Company or its
Subsidiaries that has had, or would reasonably be expected to have,
a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, (iii) there has not been
any declaration, setting aside or payment of any dividend or other
distribution (whether in cash, stock or property) with respect to
any shares of Company Common Stock; (iv) there has not been any
split, combination or reclassification of any Company Common Stock
or any issuance or commitment to issue or the authorization of any
issuance of any Company Common Stock or other securities
convertible into, in exchange or in substitution for any shares of
Company Common Stock; (v) there has not been (A) any granting by
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to any employee of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries of any increase in compensation,
other than in the ordinary course of business, (B) any granting by
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to any such employee of any
increase in severance or termination pay, (C) any entry by the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries into any employment, severance
or termination agreement, policy or arrangement with any employee;
or (D) any transaction with a Company Stockholder, director or
employee; (vi) there has not been any material adverse change in
the Company’s business relationships with any clients or
marina owners (“ Customers ”), and
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no event of default (with or without
notice or lapse of time, or both) has occurred under any agreement
between the Company and its Customers; and (vii) there has not been
any change in accounting methods, principles or practices by either
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries affecting their assets,
Liabilities or business, except insofar as may have been required
by a change in GAAP.
(b) Except for the
transactions contemplated in this Agreement and excluding the
disposition of the Company’s interest in BellPort Japan,
since the date of the Reference Balance Sheet, neither the Company
nor any of its Subsidiaries has (i) sold, transferred, leased,
pledged or mortgaged or agreed to sell, transfer, lease, pledge, or
mortgage any material assets, property or rights (including
Intellectual Property), other than sales or disposition of
inventories, in the ordinary course of business consistent with
past practice, or cancelled, waived or compromised or agreed to
cancel, waive or compromise, any debts, claims or rights, (ii) made
any significant change in any method of management, operation or
accounting, (iii) made any new or change in an
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